that’s what I said… what is philosophy… explaining the “meaning”…. watching others more that itself maybe… so…..you’re a philosopher!!!!!!!!!!!! images are a special language and to me, it suits to pilosophy

Thank you Moody (great name), apprecate you finding this, and you commenting.

– Rhoufi

robpixadayover 4 years ago

First I want to say how much I like the image itself, the composition especially. The lines dance so well together! The light-colored diagonal line of his upper coat moves with the diagonal in the background, etc. It’s just such a joy to see!

And wow…..what a concept, to see through others’ eyes! Trying to fathom the various ways people “see” the world…how much information is brought in and translated through brains that “see” in other ways. Wow, again. Wonderful.Full of wonder.

Hi Robin, you know I don’t know how I didn’t see the angles matching – I saw the sloppy dressing but not the background angle. There is more poetry than I realized, how cool – thanks for the sharp eye. Amazing how the title and the photo has struck such a chord – this pleases me greatly.

Maybe if only for the first initial handhshake? One small second into their world, so we could then understand true empathy… excellent thoughts to go with your shot :)

I do like those ‘instants’: palms crossing; a few words exchanged through a shared sensibility; a space occupied concurrently; a tiny knowledge exchanged. Empathy, the holy grail of a street photograph – the words are designed to help it along. Thanks you for adding your thoughts – this photo has been a surprise to me.

Lovely bw work Rhoufi! Hmm, to see through another’s eyes, interesting question. Not literally of course. Not sure it is even 100% possible if someone found a way…the eyes see but the heart and mind interpret and feel. Observation can’t tell you. One needs to imagine themselves there and how things would feel if they were truly in the shoes of someone else. :-)

That’s the secret isn’t it Cathy – imagining how they would feel. It’s the reason I find it hard to post some candid street shots on the Internet. I try to imagine how the person would feel and I usually hold it back. I think most would be chuffed, but you never know. Thank you.

– Rhoufi

JanTover 4 years ago

Or, conversely, to learn to see through our own eyes, and perceive free of old learned myths and ‘shoulds’. Either way, this shot appeals to me, and your premise provokes thought. (I feel funny calling you Rhoufi if that’s not your name, but perhaps we’ll see more of this in our virtual worlds.)

Hi Jan, thank you for adding the idea that even with our old eyes we “filter” (I like this term from your ‘ways of coping’ essay) what we see through lenses obscured by past muck; taught to us by those with their own faulty eyes perhaps. As regards Rhoufi, it’s complicated, so will BMail you in a while. Thank you, I always value your comments.

– Rhoufi

JanTover 4 years ago

Oops, I blurted—out loud! Taking a tip from your tags with empathy and imagining, I think value lies in posting with some anonymity, R. (I’ll call you that, okay?) I’d read somewhere that this allowed you to post more freely; you needn’t explain. I value your thoughts, insights, and remarkable talent verbally and visually. What more could one ask on a virtual cyber plane? What’s in a name?

Ah ha! It’s true though, I sometimes pull up short and realize that the whole world can see what I’m saying in the comments box. That’s when I hit delete and send a BMail. Jan, you do say the nicest things about my photography and writing – you’re very good for the soul. I do realize that Rhoufi is a bit naff, but I’ve grown used to it after 11 months. I’m cool with “R”, “Rho”, “Rhou” or whatever, even “hey you” would be OK :-)) Whatever you feel comfy with. But I will BMail you today and explain it’s origin – you might find it amusing (or corny). At least the explanation will take you to Africa and that will a bit warmer than those icy streets in Alaska.

Nice one, Rhoufi! I think we DO get to see thru other’s eyes here on RB… and perhaps a peek into their mind. I’m going to take the first comment one step further and dub you a philosotographer!

DJ, I will remember you forever. What a title, never had a word created just for me before – how priceless! Philosotographer might be confused with someone who photographs stamps ;—/. Maybe I could start a Group just for photos like that; call it “The Philosotographer’s Club”. Hope you are well. I see Anchorage is heading for -14 deg C tonight. Suppose it’s worse where you are? How’s the cabin fever? Good on you DJ, lovely to hear from you.